NFL Draft 2014: Top Pac-12 prospects

So much can change between now and April ’14 that this exercise has a significant futility factor. But it helps provide a framework for the personnel we’ll see next season.

For instance: The majority of the league’s high-end talent will reside in the junior class (both true and redshirt). Expect a slew of early entries next January.

A scan of the top-tier personnel also indicates the conference of quarterbacks will likely have just one upperclassman on NFL draft boards: Washington’s Keith Price.

*** The rankings are based on player talent and position value, because obviously we have no idea about the draft order and team needs.

*** I have included numerous third-year (draft-eligible) juniors, but two notable third-year sophomores are not listed: Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley.

Hard to see them turning pro eight months from now.

*** It goes without saying — but I feel compelled to do so anyway — that players who have made little impact to date will emerge as high-round playmakers this fall … and that some of the players listed below will underperform in ’13 and slide down the draft boards.

15. UCLA OG Xavier Su’a-Filo: Probably a better talent than this ranking indicates, but centers and guards aren’t usually picked as high as tackles.

14. Stanford LB Shayne Skov: Has everything you want in an inside linebacker. Draft position will hinge on his surgically-repaired knee remaining stable and his 40 time.

13. Oregon State DE Scott Crichton: High-motor, athletic player at a prized position.

12. Arizona State TE Chris Coyle: Good size and athleticism. But when it comes to the draft, tight ends are at the mercy of numerous factors beyond their control.

11. Stanford FS Ed Reynolds: His ability to read QBs/anticipate throws is as good as it gets — hence the six INTs and three Pick 6s last season.

10. Cal DT Deandre Coleman: Unless he has a stellar ’13, Coleman will be classic example of a player whose positional value in the NFL is greater than his college production.

9. Washington QB Keith Price: Because of the position, Price has the potential to climb into the first round. But he’ll need a stellar season.

8. USC DE Morgan Breslin: The JC transfer has 13.5 sacks for USC last season. But his draft position could hinge on whether scouts believe he projects as an 4-3 end or 3-4 outside linebacker … or vice versa.

7. Oregon AP De’Anthony Thomas: Will NFL scouts peg the 180-pounder as an every-down receiver, spot-use tailback or a slash? The answer will determine where he gets drafted.

6. Washington TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins: An amazing talent, but tight ends rarely go in the first half of the first round. he could be the exception.

5. Oregon CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu: The lock-down corner is a prospect than Washington’s Desmond Trufant, who went No. 22 last week.

4. Stanford OG David Yankey: Was an All-American in ’12 at left tackle, but his natural position is guard. Arguably one of the two or three best offensive linemen in the country.

3. Arizona State DL Will Sutton: Listed generically as a lineman because he likely projects as an end in the NFL. Inside or outside, he’s fabulous.

2. UCLA LB Anthony Barr: Would have been a high-round pick this year. Potentially the top linebacker available.

1. USC WR Marqise Lee. Yes, there will be some very good players available at positions that carry as much, if not more value than receiver. But nobody else does this stuff.

you forgot the USC quarterback (whichever spoiled brat it turns out to be).

Trees Forever

I could see Murphy being drafted ahead of Skov, unless Skov returns to his human missile form of two years ago.

Also surprised not to see Ryan Hewitt even mentioned on your missed the cut list. For NFL teams who use an H-back type player (and there are quite a few), I think you are challenged to find a better one on any roster.

Ole

I thought I’d see OSU WR Brandon Cooks on at least “just missed the cut”. Statistically he’s the 2nd best returning WR and he was only the #2 option last year. He’ll be #1 this year. Some of the online draft boards have him rated fairly highly.

maddogsfavsnpiks

The battle lines are forming now, as they will be drawn by Sept 21, 2013, and forsooth i forsee, it will be EPIC !…

ASU’s veteran, deep, and disruptive DL, led by the creator of chaos, Will “not-so-subtle” Sutton VS Stanford’s veteran, ominous, and omnipotent OL, led by road-grader extraordinaire David “spank-th’-D” Yankey…

Can earth-movers Yankey, Garnett, and whomever emerges at center, neutralize, or even move Sutton and his formidable mates in the middle ? That is the question… – it will be a duel to the death, a bone-bruising battle of behemoths, a monstrous match-up of mythic proportions shaking football turf, earth and heavens, like few we’ve seen… and that’s saying a lot considering the clashes of the last few years…

Whomever wins that Titanic struggle sails past the first major iceberg on the long hazardous and perilous journey across the stormy ’13 schedule towards football’s port of call, and the NCG prize.

If the Tree prevails, and makes it to Pasadena, there will be a cornucopia of Card seniors to pick from in the April 2014 draft : Skov, Murphy, Gardner, Mauro, Lancaster, Carrington, Amanam, Browning, Wilkes, Danser, Hewitt, Gaffney, and Wilkerson, just naming those off the top of my alzheimers’ riddled head…

But hopefully, Yankey (he may qualify for a med-redshirt ?), Fleming, Anderson, Reynolds, Richards, and others too numerous to name, will return with a final year of eligibility, for the ’14 ssn and an NCG rerun…

(BTW Reynolds had *4 pick-sixes* last year, and tied the NCAA season record, only to be robbed by myopic refs and a baffling replay decision – for shame !)

Raf

Bigelow will be a top prospect by the end of the year. Hopefully he stays!

Mbjshark

@ Fake – *yawn*, unoriginal, as usual.

@Maddog – Can I quote you on 13(+?) Stanford players being drafted next year? 14 is the record the 2nd best is 11.

On a more serious note for the Stanford faithful, is there a talent issue in 2014 with so many quality seniors departing after the 2013 season?

macbaldy

@Maddog, kudos on your tour de force. Curious, though, do you gargle before you launch into your emotives? 🙂 Just looking for tips.

maddogsfavsnpiks

Haha… thanks mac… but i don’t think you need much in the way of tips from me… i’ve often admired the authority, precision and well-timed deliveries from your post office, even when you chastised me for confusing Stanford and Palo Alto, and especially the ones on Muir’s background, focus and motivation when talkin’ Dawkins… very convincing and apparently spot-on.

Being true to one’s muse is a hyper-sensitive and exceedingly touchy, tricky endeavor, wouldn’t you say ? ..at least it is for me, and i’m doubtful the nature of one is all that transferable to another…

However, here’s an amusing proposition.. i’m seriously considering starting an investment advice website, narrowly focused on betting PAC 12 football games… but i’m all thumbs and pathetically challenged when it comes to things technical and/or mechanical : ie cars, computers, or conditions characterized in Kafka’s Castle, if ya know what i mean ?

If you are adept at the skills requisite in creating a site, and if you are so inclined, or even a bit intrigued, let me know and let’s talk turkey…

Well, here’s one tip… always gargle with garlic from Gilroy. :-)~

Cameron Shipp

Terrance Mitchell Is A much Better lockdown corner than Ifo ekpre they never throw to his side watch film people